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Moving Giants Across Borders: Ahlers Delivers Heavy Machinery Shipment for Long-Time Customer

At Ahlers Logistics, we take pride in supporting our long-standing customers with tailored solutions for their most demanding transport needs. Recently, we managed a complex breakbulk shipment for one of our trusted partners, a leading American producer of heavy-duty mining and construction equipment. Their machinery plays a vital role worldwide in industries ranging from large-scale infrastructure projects to mineral and resource extraction. This particular shipment was bound for Altyntau, a region in Kazakhstan known for its thriving mining industry.

The task was to move a fleet of off-highway mining trucks, with a total gross weight of around 650,000 KGS from Ennore in India to Altyntau in Kazakhstan. The route was ambitious, requiring sea transport via Xingang, China, followed by an overland journey through the Horgos border into Kazakhstan. 

Breakbulk shipments of this scale are always complex, especially when handling oversized and heavy cargo such as mining trucks. The machinery required careful stowage under deck, directly on the vessel’s tanktop, to ensure safe passage across the seas. Port congestion in Ennore and Xingang added another layer of risk, with potential berth delays threatening the delivery schedule. Meanwhile, customs and transit formalities in China and Kazakhstan required meticulous preparation to prevent any administrative delays.

Despite these challenges, our teams across India, China, and Kazakhstan, supported by our own chartering desk in Singapore, delivered a seamless operation. With local experts on the ground along the entire route, we were able to monitor every stage of the journey, ensuring efficiency and minimizing risks. By leveraging our in-house chartering expertise, we secured the most suitable vessel for this heavy and oversized cargo. Thanks to strong coordination, diligent documentation checks, and proactive problem-solving, the shipment was executed smoothly, with the trucks arriving safely and on time in Altyntau.

The success of this delivery did not go unnoticed. Our customer entrusted us with a second identical shipment, which is already on its way from India to China – a clear sign of the confidence they place in our ability to handle their most demanding logistics challenges.

Scope of Work

  • Ahlers India: Complete solution design and coordination of transport from Ennore to Xingang, with support from our chartering desk in Singapore

  • Ahlers China & Kazakhstan: Transport from Xingang to Altyntau, including reloading at the Horgos border

Project Challenges

  • Oversized and heavy breakbulk cargo requiring special stowage and handling

  • Potential berth delays and port congestion in Ennore and Xingang

  • Complex customs and transit formalities in China and Kazakhstan

Our Solution

  • Local Ahlers teams present along the entire route for hands-on supervision

  • In-house Chartering Desk securing the most suitable vessel

  • Thorough preparation and cross-check of all documentation for smooth customs clearance

  • Close cooperation with stakeholders to avoid delays and ensure timely delivery